GENEROUS motorists could be in for surprise if they give a ride to a hitchhiker - they may be handed the keys to a new sports car.

GENEROUS motorists could be in for surprise if they give a ride to a hitchhiker - they may be handed the keys to a new sports car.

A team of hitchhikers has taken to South Cheshire roads asking for a lift to Sandbach's RoadChef service area, near junction 17 of the M6 motorway.

But a simple ride for a stranger could give the driver a lift as the gesture will earn the driver a shot at winning a sports car.

The unusual promotion is designed to raise awareness of a multi-million pound improvement scheme which has been carried out at RoadChef service areas across the country.

RoadChef's chief executive John Greenwood said: 'We have spent millions on improving our full range of services ensuring we provide what our public want.

'We have looked at everything in a fresh way to provide superlative quality for discerning travellers. Too many people don't stop because they remember the way services used to be and not what RoadChef offers today.'

Any motorist who has picked up the Road-Chef pedestrian thumbing a lift will get a chance at winning a Toyota MR2 Roadster through a scratch card competition.

There are five to give away, and other prizes from Coca-Cola, Cadbury's, Wal'ls, Nestle, Red Bull and Ferrero Rocher will be up for grabs.

The promotion lasts for six weeks and everyone who takes part will go home with a prize.